LIHUE — Some kupuna didn’t just sit down and go quietly into the night on New Year’s Eve. Some were literally working through their last day of the year. They’ve got goals and most already started on their New Year’s resolutions.
Several reflected on this past year and are hoping for a better one in 2020.
Some would like to lose weight, others travel more, while Janice Bond wants to do more for Kauai.
“My New Year’s resolution is to be the best volunteer and to help people in need,” she said.
You can find her volunteering for East Kauai Lions Club and helping with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign for president. Bond is no stranger to volunteering and is ready to roll her sleeves up even more in 2020.
The Regency at Puakea was getting ready for their last event of the year on Tuesday.
When you get to their special hangout, a banner read Happy Holidays, a Christmas tree was still up and Asae Fujimura was watching TV.
She talked about her father’s hotel in Nawiliwili called Kuboyama back in the day.
When asked what her New Year’s resolution is, Fujimura paused and said, “I hope it will be a good year.”
At Kukui Grove Center, Shirley Shimotsu and her friend Lilibeth Samillano were taking a break and talking about the best time to get to the Philippines and which airline to travel with. Both ladies were caretakers and working hard on this last day of 2019.
When they were asked about their New Year’s resolution, Shimotsu said, “Sometimes it’s hard, we trying to pay off bills, hope 2020 has no bills.” She laughed and smiled at her friend.
Samillano said, “I want to lose weight and most importantly have peace of mind.”
Safeway in Lihue had its seniors busy working and smiling as they helped and greeted customers.
Kurt Nagata pushed carts from the parking lot back into the store. Nagata took a moment and said, “For 2020, I need to quit smoking and I am working on quitting drinking too.”
Then he went on to smile and help customers get a cart for their last-minute shopping.
In the parking lot waiting for her husband with her daughter, Tricia Bragg a visitor from Canada said, “I want to become a better skier.”
Inside the store, David Cole was in the cafe. When asked the same question, he replied, “I’m Jewish, I don’t celebrate Hanukkah but its another year to be grateful for.”
Erlinda Agcaoili was stacking up the inventory with a beautiful smile. She loved to help others and took a moment to share her thoughts on the new year.
“It’s coming, I think I need to walk more,” she said. “2019 was not so great. I am ready for 2020. I am hopeful and hope for more happiness.”
If there was anything apparent, each kupuna was leaving 2019 behind and embracing 2020 with fewer bills to pay off, no cigarettes, more exercise, gratefulness and, of course, an abundance of happiness.
My mother’s photo is not online. Can you add it? Thank you
One of the best resolution is for all those corrupt politicians to get arrested, thrown in jail and start anew because these are the human filth responsible for so much misery for humankind.